$16.50

The micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that lets you get creative with digital technology. You can code, customize and control your micro:bit from anywhere! Use your micro:bit for all sorts of unique creations, from robots to musical instruments and more. At half the size of a credit card, this board is equipped with a surprising amount of hardware, including 25 red LED lights that can flash messages. There are two programmable buttons that can be used to control games or pause and skip songs on a playlist. The micro:bit can even detect motion and tell you which direction you’re heading. It can also use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to interact with other devices and the internet.

This micro:bit Go Bundle provides you with everything you need to get hooked up and powered. This kit includes the micro:bit, a short USB cable, a AAA battery holder and AAA batteries. Also inside the Go Bundle you will find a Quick Start Guide with four unique ideas to get you started with micro:bit! The Go Bundle is a quick and economical way to get started with the micro:bit.

On the front of the board you will find the 5x5 LED array, which you can use as a light sensor; a tiny screen to draw on or display words, numbers and other information; and the two programmable buttons! On the back of the board you will find the brains of the micro:bit, a 16MHz, 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller with 256KB Flash, 16KB RAM and a built-in temperature sensor. Additionally, the back of the micro:bit is populated by an accelerometer, compass and Bluetooth Smart antenna, as well as a microUSB and two-pin JST connector for different power options. Finally, at the bottom of the board you will find 20 gold-tabbed edge pins and five ring connectors (three for digital/analog I/O, two for power and ground) for hooking up external components. The tabs with larger holes can be easily used with alligator clips to prototype added components quickly.

The micro:bit has even supplied an intuitive mobile app that lets you send your code to your micro:bit over Bluetooth (without using a USB cable). With this app you will be able to interact with your micro:bit on a higher level of accessibility.

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Core Skill: Programming

If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.

2Programming

Skill Level: Rookie - You will need a better fundamental understand of what code is, and how it works. You will be using beginner-level software and development tools like Arduino. You will be dealing directly with code, but numerous examples and libraries are available. Sensors or shields will communicate with serial or TTL.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

2Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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Customer Reviews

4.3 out of 5

Easy to program

It was easy to program right out of the box using the graphic programming system (I’m reluctant to call it a language) supplied. I just had it do some different graphics, dependent on which button was pushed, through the 5x5 LED array. It was super easy. Can’t say much more, since I had no purpose for it. It won’t replace my Arduinos right away, if ever, but I can see how it can be a lot of fun!

Lots of ways to Program, Bluetooth is kind of a failure !

You can code it in so many ways - block editor, micro python, js, mbed and probably in professional IDEs like Keil, IAR too.

https://www.microbit.co.uk/app/

https://developer.mbed.org/platforms/Microbit/

By the way, these are actually priced twice because of “Buy One, Give One” campaign from BBC. Which means you are helping some kid out there to walk the path of becoming a nerd !

Update: The BLE seems buggy, worked once but failed with some GATT Error. If you have plans to work with Bluetooth buy two or more of these, don’t expect this to work flawlessly with smartphones Bluetooth 4.0 . Not much app support on Google play either.

If you are going to get the 'bit, might as well get the bundle

So, as far as the bundle goes, it’s a cheap add on that makes perfect sense. Not sure why you’d order a board without these accessories unless you already have them. One thing I will say; the assertion that you can’t use a LiPo battery without adding a voltage regulator seems to be false. I’ve been running mine straight on a LiPo battery for weeks sitting on my desk and it works just fine (using a 500mah battery). Doesn’t get hot or do anything strange, hasn’t burned up yet.

As far as the Micro:Bit as a product, I have mixed feelings. It’s so cheap, and it’s pretty cool, but I can’t imagine kids actually playing with this for more than a few weeks before they get bored and move on to something else. If you’re already using Arduino or the Raspberry Pi, the bit won’t be anything new, it’ll be a fun novelty, and maybe a way to practice with MicroPython if you don’t have another board to try it on. The memory is VERY limited though, so getting a Feather Huzzah might make more sense. The mobile app sucks out loud, not even worth trying to use. The pairing generally seems really flaky and unreliable.

Great introduction to programming

I used these for a professional development session with teachers at our school. By the end of the one hour workshop the math teachers were excited to be integrating programming and the microbit into their curriculum. The kit is great because you get the USB cable and batteries included; no need for additional purchases.

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